The In Memoriam section of the 2024 Emmys paid tribute to some of the most beloved performers and creatives we’ve lost this year, but former Emmy-nominee, Shelley Duvall was missing from the list. Amid the celebrations, as our favorite shows are recognized by other industry veterans for their achievement, the In Memoriam section puts a pause on the festivities as we all take a moment to remember our favorite actors, directors, and writers, who have passed away this year. With a live performance of “I Am Not Okay” by Jelly Roll, this year’s segment was particularly emotional. Some of the names featured in the section included Richard Simmons, Shannen Doherty, James Earl Jones, the recently deceased James Earl Jones, and the young Gen V star Chance Perdomo. However, Duvall, and some other notable names were absent from the commemoration.
Best known for her performance in The Shining, Duvall was actually nominated for two Primetime Emmys during her career. Her first nomination came in 1988 for the children’s program Tall Tales & Legends. Duvall earned a second nomination four years later for the animated show Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories. The actress’ prior recognition from the Emmys has left some fans baffled by her exclusion from this year’s In Memoriam segment.Duvall passed away this July, aged 75.
As well as Shelley Duvall, other notable TV stars were missing from the segment. Chita Rivers (Will & Grace), Johnny Wactor (General Hospital), Tyler Christopher (General Hospital), and director Eleanor Coppola were also missing from the In Memoriam segment. Duvall, Rivers, Wactor, and other notable names were instead acknowledged in a complete list on the Emmys website.
Fans React to Shelley Duvall’s In Memoriam Absence
In an ever expanding industry, it will naturally be impossible to acknowledge every industry professional who has passed away over the last 12 months. However, fans cannot comprehend how the Emmys missed such a beloved star and former Emmy nominee from this year’s list. X is packed with disgruntled fans, both slating the awards show for forgetting Shelley Duvall from the list, and acknowledging the actress’ contributions to the industry in their own ways.
“Oh my Shelley Duvall, you’ll get your flowers soon. we won’t forget you ever. #Emmys #Emmys2024” wrote @BRITLENAPOP. Social media was filled with similar comments following the segment. @ecrga pointed out Duvall’s prominence on TV, shocked that the awards forgot the actress. They wrote:
“shelley duvall created, produced, and presented several successful and beloved children’s programs- two of which were literally nominated for primetime emmys. since the emmys chose not to honour her in their memoriam this year, i will.”
Fans of Chite Rivera also shared their opinions about the actress being forgotten from the list. “Sad that the #Emmys In Memoriam left out Chita Rivera, who starred or guested on tv’s Will & Grace, The Outer Limits, Dora The Explorer, Mayflower Madam, the Carol Burnett/Judy Garland/ Dick Van Dyke/Ed Sullivan/Mike Douglas/Tonight Show, and so many others” wrote @ryanghinds. You can check out some more reactions below:
